SCS SB 1015 -- STATE PARKS

CO-SPONSORS:  Foster, Mathewson (Relford)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Conservation, State Parks and Mining by a vote of 17 to 0.

Currently, state park concession contracts awarded for 10 or more
years must be approved through a concurrent resolution by the
General Assembly.  This substitute repeals this approval process
and allows the Department of Natural Resources to award contracts
for more than 10 years only if the director considers the
extended contract period necessary for the contractor to make
substantial capital and other improvements.

The substitute increases the maximum amount that can be provided
for the revolving fund at each state park from $500 to $1,500.

The substitute also establishes a permanent endowment fund for
interpretative programs at Arrow Rock State Historic Site.
Initial funding is provided from personal property bequeathed to
the department by Bill and Cora Lee Miller.  The department can
expend up to half of the interest earned by the fund annually
until January 1, 2100, and can expend all of the interest earned
annually thereafter.

Finally, the substitute authorizes the department to develop
agreements with private not-for-profit organizations to enhance
interpretative and educational functions in state parks.
Eligible organizations must have been formed solely to provide
these services.  Net proceeds from sales of publications and
other items by the organizations must be used for services in
their designated parks.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to State Parks Fund of $0 in FY
2003, $68,000 in FY 2004, and $0 in FY 2005.  Estimated Net
Income to State Parks Imprest Fund of $0 in FY 2003, $68,000 in
FY 2004, and $0 in FY 2005.  Estimated Net Cost to State Park
Earnings Fund of $21,966 in FY 2003, $0 in FY 2004, and $0 in FY
2005.  Estimated Net Income to Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Endowment Fund of $21,966 in FY 2003, $0 in FY 2004, and $0 in FY
2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the substitute establishes
procedures for awarding long-term contracts that encourage
concessionaires to make substantial capital improvements.  The
substitute also improves the state park system by authorizing
cooperative agreements with not-for-profit organizations and
establishing a permanent endowment fund for Arrow Rock State
Historic Site.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Foster; and Department of
Natural Resources.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Terry Finger, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:04 am